The entrepreneurs and startups bringing innovation to the United Arab Emirates

Al Hammadi: Emirates one of the most diverse, inclusive and innovative countries in the world

Al Janahi: Dubai SME has supported more than 17,500 entrepreneurs

Forbes Middle East unveils new rankings celebrating the success of Emirati businesses.

Glittering ceremony recognizes the achievements of the local entrepreneurs that are changing the landscape of the business world.

Very special guests Mr Abdul Baset Al Janahi and Mr Mohammed Al Hammadi were on hand to present the awards.

Dubai, 20 October, 2015

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, announced earlier this year that 2015 was to be the Year of Innovation. Inspired by this,

Forbes Middle East has for the first time unveiled new rankings focused specifically on Emiratis and U.A.E-based enterprises that are pushing the boundaries of the business world in the Middle East.

Mohammed Al Hammadi, Executive Director of Publishing and Editor-in-Chief of Al Ittihad, delivered the keynote speech, praising the gathered trailblazers for using their vision and talent to revolutionize their industries, bringing with them modernization and growth, and making the United Arab Emirates one of the most diverse, inclusive and innovative countries in the world. Mr Al Hammadi was recognized himself for his continued support of entrepreneurs in the region. Among many other accolades, Mr Al Hammadi is a founding member of the 'Young Arab Leaders' organization.

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai mandated to develop the SME sector, was also in attendance to hand out the awards with Mr Al Hammadi and recognize the achievements of the gathered leaders. Mr Al Janahi has been contributing significantly to developing and maintaining an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dubai and mobilizing government and private sector support to help young and aspiring entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Al Janahi said: "Dubai SME is proud to be part of the initiative from Forbes Middle Ease to recognize entrepreneurial excellence as it complements our efforts to nurture the U.A.E.'s entrepreneurial culture into a strategic enabler of economic development, as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai SME has supported more than 17,500 entrepreneurs and facilitated the launch of over 2,800 SMEs since its inception in 2002, helping aspiring Emiratis realize their dreams and cementing Dubai's reputation as a hub to launch and grow innovative and smart business concepts."

Forbes Middle East was supported by several organizations in hosting the event, including: Dubai Islamic Bank; Rasasi Perfumes; Al Tayyar Travel Group; Al Ittihad; Elegant Resorts; Elite Executive Services Company (EES); Al Oula Radio 107.4; and Dubai One. The event was attended by some of the most inspirational and successful leaders in the U.A.E. Some of the pioneering entrepreneurs and startups present included: Jassim Albastaki from Envelope Investment LLC; Khalid & Abdulrahman Basaeed from Feathers UAE; and Hashem Al Marzouqi from Al Fanar Restaurant and Café; Idriss Al Rifai and Joy Ajlouny from Fetchr; Jon Richards and Samer Chehab from Compareit4me; Shant Oknayan and Christos Mastoras from GlamBox; Bader and Fahad Al Kalooti from Laundrybox; Mudassir Sheikha from Careem; and many more.           

Mrs. Khuloud Al Omian, Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Middle East said: "We at Forbes are incredibly proud of our tradition of honoring the most successful business leaders, paying tribute to the people that have reached the top of their game, reinvented the rules and brought about innovation in their industries. We want to shine a light on the local startups and entrepreneurs that are shaking things up and inspiring growth and diversification. Every single one of the people on our lists has proven that they have the guts, the determination and the passion to excel at what they do, and by carrying out their business in the United Arab Emirates they are bringing excellence to the whole region."

Detail about our rankings

Of the 50 up and coming entrepreneurs, food and beverage was the top sector with 12 rankings. The retail and technology sectors were a joint second with 7 rankings each, and the services sector was third with 6. The rest were in a range of sectors including industry, media & advertising, architecture, energy, entertainment and fashion.

The Year of Innovation

The entrepreneurial scene is booming in the U.A.E. The government is playing a central role by stepping up initiatives to facilitate the creation of new businesses. It has declared 2015 the year of innovation. The message is clear: Startups are an engine for growth. They create jobs; they disrupt old industries and give birth to new ones.

To reflect the diversity of innovation, we've put together two lists: one features Emirati entrepreneurs; the other ranks entrepreneurs from around the world--but mainly Arab countries--who chose Dubai as their headquarters to launch their startup.

The majority of Emirati businesses on our list are less than five years old. Although the hospitality sector dominates, several startups are worth keeping an eye on, including BioD Packing & Packaging, which makes biodegradable material for packaging, 4M Technologies, which develops drones for aerial photography, and Slices, which pivoted from a restaurant to a provider of healthy lunch programs for schools to battle the growing problem of obesity.

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About Forbes Middle East
Forbes Middle East is a licensed edition of Forbes Media, a global media company with a focus on news and information about business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and affluent lifestyles. Forbes Middle East is published once a month in Arabic and English by Arab Publishing House, and includes forbesmiddleeast.com, as well as special editions. 

Forbes Middle East extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the Arab world. It sets the pace for preemptive business journalism, by uncovering trends and anticipating business opportunities; and publishes original lists that adhere to methodologies set by Forbes Media. Its journalism attracts a readership of business leaders, investors, and government officials who are united in their belief of free enterprise. 

For further information and media queries, please contact the Forbes Middle East research and communications teams on +9714 440 8975.

© Press Release 2015